Afrihost Capped DSL Feedback

DeSLAM said:
Yes, many times, also - if you see the tests above - I attached from different ISPs, but OpenServe tested from here using their own router via their own ISP network - doesnt make my line any faster when they use their own router and run the same tests.

So I'm stuck with a 780kbit/s line speed on Afrihost for now.... although my Afrihost account is for much more than that speed. But if I use Axxess I get 1.6Mbps.

Regardless of anything else this physical line to the exchange ISLAM wont be capable of more than 4Mbps line - but I'm not even getting 2Mbps - so it wont make any sense to throw more money at a ISP if it cant even give me 2Mbps stable.

Afrihost ticket [CJL-463-62222]
OpenServe/Telkom ticket 82CWK180618
Click to expand...

:( If you are getting similar performance using different ISPs it definitely points to the DSL Line. Did the Openserve Tech give indication if you can expect better speeds or is the quality of the line going to remain at that level?
 
DeSLAM said:
Yes, many times, also - if you see the tests above - I attached from different ISPs, but OpenServe tested from here using their own router via their own ISP network - doesnt make my line any faster when they use their own router and run the same tests.

So I'm stuck with a 780kbit/s line speed on Afrihost for now.... although my Afrihost account is for much more than that speed. But if I use Axxess I get 1.6Mbps.

Regardless of anything else this physical line to the exchange ISLAM wont be capable of more than 4Mbps line - but I'm not even getting 2Mbps - so it wont make any sense to throw more money at a ISP if it cant even give me 2Mbps stable.

Afrihost ticket [CJL-463-62222]
OpenServe/Telkom ticket 82CWK180618
Click to expand...

Not much Afrihost can do if your line is deteriorated. Some ISPs might be more sensitive to the degradation depending on the routing of the bit of data that does flow. If I were you I'd rather use a WISP or get LTE on the Rain network which Afrihost can help you with.
 
AfriGenie said:
:( If you are getting similar performance using different ISPs it definitely points to the DSL Line. Did the Openserve Tech give indication if you can expect better speeds or is the quality of the line going to remain at that level?
Click to expand...

Afrihost ticket [CJL-463-62222]
OpenServe/Telkom ticket 82CWK180618

I insisted that they move my line to another port yesterday. OpenServe changed the exchange port yesterday afternoon late to a new ISLAM not the old Marconi one's.

Here is this morning's test. Except for the packet loss to smtp.afrihost.co.za - there is no more packet loss on the other MTRs. But This morning I'm getting 1.6Mbps on an Afrihost connection at a time of day that the line should not be shaped (Capped account).

OpenServe will be on-site again this morning at 8am.

The physical Telkom exchange is at Braeview, Steynsrust Road, Cape Town, 7130
GPS -34.053581, 18.826737

Target Name: smtp.afrihost.co.za
IP: 169.1.1.76
Date/Time: 2018/06/27 06:41:24 AM - 2018/06/27 06:51:24 AM

Hop Sent PL% Min Max Avg Host Name / [IP]
1 12 0 0.40 0.79 0.52 10.0.0.2 [10.0.0.2]
2 11 100 0 0 0 [-]
3 12 8 209.59 313.01 250.66 cpt-rx2.ip.adsl.co.za [169.1.5.82]
4 12 0 206.46 297.41 248.85 cpt-net1.ip.adsl.co.za [169.1.5.128]
5 2 0 219.81 252.39 236.10 169-1-21-80.ip.afrihost.co.za [169.1.21.80]
6 12 8 227.59 297.75 262.70 169-1-5-75.ip.afrihost.co.za [169.1.5.75]
7 12 8 225.70 320.38 268.96 jhb-ex0.ip.adsl.co.za [169.1.5.61]
8 12 0 173.89 316.52 245.94 smtp.afrihost.co.za [169.1.1.76]


Target Name: www.hetzner.co.za
IP: 197.189.196.146
Date/Time: 2018/06/27 06:44:20 AM - 2018/06/27 06:54:20 AM

Hop Sent PL% Min Max Avg Host Name / [IP]
1 8 0 0.31 0.69 0.39 10.0.0.2 [10.0.0.2]
2 7 100 0 0 0 [-]
3 8 0 26.12 76.92 33.76 cpt-rx2.ip.adsl.co.za [169.1.5.82]
4 8 0 26.28 71.34 32.68 cpt-net1.ip.adsl.co.za [169.1.5.128]
5 8 0 26.48 29.34 27.90 africainx.ixp.capetown [196.10.140.7]
6 8 0 44.00 52.07 46.74 core.xe-0-0-1-gp-sm-het-dce-2.za.africainx.net [41.84.15.37]
7 8 0 47.29 57.00 49.41 41-66-132-246-f6.hetzner-jhb-ip4-gw.africainx.net [41.66.132.246]
8 8 0 47.95 67.46 52.29 core-access-switch1.jnb1.host-h.net [197.189.193.1]
9 8 0 47.40 63.66 52.32 row-access-switch1-chs.jnb1.host-h.net [197.189.193.49]
10 8 0 45.07 162.84 63.45 www.hetzner.co.za [197.189.196.146]

Target Name: www.afrihost.com
IP: 104.20.31.244
Date/Time: 2018/06/27 06:45:25 AM - 2018/06/27 06:55:25 AM

Hop Sent PL% Min Max Avg Host Name / [IP]
1 12 0 0.33 19.61 1.99 10.0.0.2 [10.0.0.2]
2 11 100 0 0 0 [-]
3 12 0 26.83 30.04 28.43 cpt-rx2.ip.adsl.co.za [169.1.5.82]
4 12 0 25.58 28.78 27.24 cpt-net1.ip.adsl.co.za [169.1.5.128]
5 12 0 26.03 61.79 31.00 cloudflare.ixp.capetown [196.10.140.198]
6 12 0 25.89 28.61 27.11 www.afrihost.com [104.20.31.244]

6-49am-2018-6-27 MyBroadband Speed Test.png

On the NEW ISLAM the Max attainable speed of the line has dropped to 5600, the actual sync rate is correct at 2048 but it cant maintain 2Mbps on the connection - the best it offers me on the new ISLAM using Afrihost as ISP is 1.6Mbps...Will test it later with OpenServe's account.

ADSL

Mode: ADSL_G.dmt
Type: ATM
Status: Up

Downstream Upstream
Line Coding(Trellis): On On
SNR Margin (0.1dB): 223 240
Attenuation (0.1dB): 340 0
Output Power (0.1dBm): 186 123
Attainable Rate (Kbps): 5600 1212
Rate (Kbps): 2048 512
D (interleaver depth): 16 4
Delay (msec): 8.00 8.00

HEC Errors: 9 12
OCD Errors: 0 0
LCD Errors: 0 0

Total ES: 2 0
 
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Using mybroadband's speed test - on Afrihost - the average line speed has now dropped further. 07.15am.

Afrihost ticket [CJL-463-62222]
OpenServe/Telkom ticket 82CWK180618

Ping 28ms
Download 1.56Mbps
Upload 0.40Mbps
169.0.122.109 Afrihost
 
Using mybroadband's speed test - on Axxess login - the average line speed is higher at 1.70Mbps. 07.18am.

So what does that tell you Afrihost?

To me it says, that you are providing 14-15% less speed than you should on this connection - a connection that syncs perfectly (at a Rate (Kbps): 2048) ,and of which the SNR and Attenuation is well within limits for a good connection, at a time where there is no congestion, when you should not be shaping this capped DSL package.

We'll see what OpenServes login does later this morning. OpenServe has nothing to gain financially by shaping this line at the exchange below 2Mbps throughput. Because I only pay them for the line connection, which syncs on what I am paying them for; and can attain double the current sync speed on the current ISLAM.

I am less than 1.5km from the exchange. And I am on their newest ISLAM technology now.

Your fine print
* General:
- The advertised linespeeds are a representation of the maximum possible throughput on that package. This speed is dependent on and varies from exchange to exchange as regulated by Openserve.

In certain areas, some speeds are not achievable and in which case, you'll be automatically moved down to a lower package if applicable. For more information on this, please visit our terms and conditions.



Although our intention is to never shape, sometimes, during outages and special circumstances, we may be required to shape some real-time services. Your connection speed will be as fast as your Line allows for Realtime traffic.*

-Actual speed is dependent on line speed
- distance from the exchange
- quality of the cabling in your area
-current capacity of your Telkom exchange for DSL connections.

Throttling may be applied to home uncapped packages once the monthly threshold is reached.
Click to expand...

Afrihost ticket [CJL-463-62222]
OpenServe/Telkom ticket 82CWK180618

Ping 25ms
Download 1.70Mbps
Upload 0.41Mbps
165.255.109.207 Axxess Networks
Rate your ISP

-2018-6-27 Axxess MyBroadband Speed Test.png
 
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Afrihost ticket [CJL-463-62222]
OpenServe/Telkom ticket 82CWK180618

I have also upgraded this account to an UNSHAPED account, if that makes no difference to my upload and download speed after doing so.

We now know that my connection from here to the exchange is perfect, the distance from the exchange is very little, and we now know that the internal network at the premises is 100% fine.

So from here on going forward its only Afrihost that is the issue unless the NEW OpenServe ISLAM packs up.
 
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DeSLAM said:
Using mybroadband's speed test - on Afrihost - the average line speed has now dropped further. 07.15am.

Afrihost ticket [CJL-463-62222]
OpenServe/Telkom ticket 82CWK180618

Ping 28ms
Download 1.56Mbps
Upload 0.40Mbps
169.0.122.109 Afrihost
Click to expand...

That's a completely acceptable line speed for a 2Mbps line. It normally fluctuates between 1.5 - 1.8 depending on various factors. Also, I wouldn't rely on a speedtest to get an idea of the actual speed of the line. Rather do a download using a download manager with like 20 download instances from HTTP and see what speeds you get. Just remember that you won't get 2Mbps in total due to TCP/IP overheads.

Unless other Afrihost users from Cape Town are experiencing similar issues, I doubt that there's an issue with Afrihost's network in your area.

BTW are you on ADSL 1 or ADSL2+?
 
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Praeses said:
That's a completely acceptable line speed for a 2Mbps line. It normally fluctuates between 1.5 - 1.8 depending on various factors. Also, I wouldn't rely on a speedtest to get an idea of the actual speed of the line. Rather do a download using a download manager with like 20 download instances from HTTP and see what speeds you get. Just remember that you won't get 2Mbps in total due to TCP/IP overheads.

Unless other Afrihost users from Cape Town are experiencing similar issues, I doubt that there's an issue with Afrihost's network in your area.

BTW are you on ADSL 1 or ADSL2+?
Click to expand...

Look at my routers ASDL details which I posted above...the ADSL modulation is there to see.

ADSL2+ is only required for speeds greater that 10Mbps

If I only select GDmt alone the max attainable speed is as per stats set out before. If I set the router to choose between GDmt and ADSL2 modulation the router falls back to ADSL_G.dmt.bis

I am now on the NEW Alcatel ISLAM at the exchange, since late yesterday afternoon/last night. All I did from here since then was pay Afrihost more (double the price) to make my account an unshaped account, and they confirmed that this morning that shaping was removed from my account as of this morning after 08.40am.

Sync Rates / Modulation type

GDmt & ADSL2
Attainable Rate (Kbps): 6048 1159
Rate (Kbps): 2555 508

GDmt only
Attainable Rate (Kbps): 6304 1228
Rate (Kbps): 2560 512


Now that I am on an unshaped account (paying double the price) I'm getting 1.85Mbps if the mybroadband speed test is anything to go by.

Ping 40ms
Download 1.85Mbps
Upload 0.41Mbps
169.0.121.163 Afrihost
Rate your ISP


OpenServe End-to-End Speed Test gives more optimistic values now.

GDmt only

Ping 44ms
Download 2.0Mbps
Upload 0.50Mbps
Afrihost 169.1.158.251 - Telkom SA (SAIX) Cape Town

So I'll test this through July to see if throwing double the money at Afrihost makes a real difference when I need it. I dont even use much data on this account at all. So we will see how it performs for the next billing cycle as an unshaped account.

So far paying double the money to Afrihost gives an increase of +-400Kbps
 
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Afrihost ticket [CJL-463-62222]
OpenServe/Telkom ticket 82CWK180618

What's really weird is what happens when you pay for an unshaped account at Afrihost, and then test the line speeds with other IPS logins...fascinating and enlightening information. Assuming that these ISPs are in no way connected with one another that is, and all independent service providers.

Will watch this comparison over the next few days - and see how it settles. At least my internet is running again after 9 frustrating days - but its now costing me double the price.
 
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DeSLAM said:
Look at my routers ASDL details which I posted above...the ADSL modulation is there to see.

ADSL2+ is only required for speeds greater that 10Mbps

If I only select GDmt alone the max attainable speed is as per stats set out before. If I set the router to choose between GDmt and ADSL2 modulation the router falls back to ADSL_G.dmt.bis

I am now on the NEW Alcatel ISLAM at the exchange, since late yesterday afternoon/last night. All I did from here since then was pay Afrihost more (double the price) to make my account an unshaped account, and they confirmed that this morning that shaping was removed from my account as of this morning after 08.40am.

Sync Rates / Modulation type

GDmt & ADSL2
Attainable Rate (Kbps): 6048 1159
Rate (Kbps): 2555 508

GDmt only
Attainable Rate (Kbps): 6304 1228
Rate (Kbps): 2560 512


Now that I am on an unshaped account (paying double the price) I'm getting 1.85Mbps if the mybroadband speed test is anything to go by.

Ping 40ms
Download 1.85Mbps
Upload 0.41Mbps
169.0.121.163 Afrihost
Rate your ISP


OpenServe End-to-End Speed Test gives more optimistic values now.

GDmt only

Ping 44ms
Download 2.0Mbps
Upload 0.50Mbps
Afrihost 169.1.158.251 - Telkom SA (SAIX) Cape Town

So I'll test this through July to see if throwing double the money at Afrihost makes a real difference when I need it. I dont even use much data on this account at all. So we will see how it performs for the next billing cycle as an unshaped account.

So far paying double the money to Afrihost gives an increase of +-400Kbps
Click to expand...

You should get actual speeds closer to your sync speed when using ADSL2+ rather than using GDmt. Most routers have the option to force ADSL2+.
 
Praeses said:
What have you got to lose by trying it?

http://www.differencebetween.net/technology/difference-between-adsl-and-adsl2/
https://www.increasebroadbandspeed.co.uk/tip3
Click to expand...

Consider that I know already, it won't work - it doesn't work in reality if you know what you are dealing with on the ground in this case ...G**gling solutions only works on G**gle. And flip charts often only work in call centres... ;)

Its poor advice - other people will just end up testing disconnected DSL lines following such general advice...where they have nothing to lose except their connection. Even if their routers can force ADSL2+, like mine can.

And perhaps I know the differences between ADSL modulation types. And when it will work and won't.

In this case only Gdmt works...also I am less than 1.5km from the exchange.

Right now - after paying Afrihost double for an unshaped capped account I am getting the exact speeds I expect to get. That speed cannot exceed the line sync speed which is set at 2Mbps.
 
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DeSLAM said:
Consider that I know already, it won't work - it doesn't work in reality if you know what you are dealing with on the ground in this case ...G**gling solutions only works on G**gle. And flip charts often only work in call centres... ;)

Its poor advice - other people will just end up testing disconnected DSL lines following such general advice...where they have nothing to lose except their connection. Even if their routers can force ADSL2+, like mine can.

And perhaps I know the differences between ADSL modulation types. And when it will work and won't.

In this case only Gdmt works...also I am less than 1.5km from the exchange.
Click to expand...

If you're 1.5km from the exchange and ADSL2+ doesn't work - does that indicate a problem with the line or a problem with Afrihost?
 
Lets go back to the start of my support request. Do you remember what was wrong? Do you remember the router stats...what did it say about the line itself from this site to the exchange? How do you interpret the router diagnostics posted here at that stage?

If an ISP shapes your low usage, basic account to death the following happens.

What does slow ADSL do for business?
Time is money, a slow ADSL connection will cost - causing
Employee Frustration
Stifled Productivity
Stifled Communication
A Fall in Bottomline Profits
Wasted income

What does slow ADSL do for private home users or SOHO environments - the above and?
Time is money, a slow ADSL connection will cost -causing
Frustration
Stifled Productivity
Stifled Entertainment
Stifled Communication
Wasted income
 
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CamiKaze said:
Every now and then. Look, my problem is P2P and Ace Media Stream. Are you guys shaping torrents or not?
Click to expand...

It's been a few days and still no reply on my problems... The exact same reason why I left Telkom ISP.... Service support SUCKS!!!
 
DeSLAM said:
Lets go back to the start of my support request. Do you remember what was wrong? Do you remember the router stats...what did it say about the line itself from this site to the exchange? How do you interpret the router diagnostics posted here at that stage?
Click to expand...

That doesn't answer my question - it was rhetorical - it's a line/exchange issue, regardless of your router stats, unless you uploaded a 24 hour graph updated every second showing the SNR and attenuation values to point to possible issues? Sorry if I missed it.

If an ISP shapes your low usage, basic account to death the following happens.

What does slow ADSL do for business?
Time is money, a slow ADSL connection will cost - causing
Employee Frustration
Stifled Productivity
Stifled Communication
A Fall in Bottomline Profits
Wasted income

What does slow ADSL do for private home users or SOHO environments - the above and?
Time is money, a slow ADSL connection will cost -causing
Frustration
Stifled Productivity
Stifled Entertainment
Stifled Communication
Wasted income
Click to expand...
Running a business on shaped 2Mbps ADSL? I would not recommend this, definitely not with our aging and limited IT infrastructure in SA.
 
Afrihost ticket [CJL-463-62222]
OpenServe/Telkom ticket 82CWK180618

2 MTRs from 2 "different" ISPs and suddenly like magic all ISP logins I use are showing unshaped results, regardless of what ISP login I use on the router. So where is the shaping done? At OpenServe/Telkom or at Afrihost? Or at Afrihost via Openserve/Telkom?

So throwing double your money at the problem - suddenly gives you unshaped access on at least 3 different ISPs - giving you the same readings besides a slightly different ping.

Afri17-36pm_2018-06-27Openserve3.jpg
 
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